HomeMy WebLinkAbout04272023 City Council Special Meeting LAYDOWN - Draft Recruiting Brochure 230427 City Council Special Meeting LAYDOWN - Draft Recruiting Brochure
RECRUITMENT BROCHURE FOR CITY MANAGER
SEWARD, ALASKA
APRIL 2023
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OUR COMMUNITY
Seward is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. It is surrounded by majestic snow-
capped mountains which are blanketed with lush green vegetation, trees and alpine wildflowers. Footrace
famous Mt. Marathon is the western backdrop of Seward with Harding Ice field lined along the back extending
to the coast. Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park and Caines Head State Recreation area are
nearby. Founded in 1903 as the ocean terminus of what is now the Alaska Railroad, Seward prides itself, not
only on its natural beauty, but as Alaska's only deep-water, ice-free port with rail, highway and air
transportation to Alaska's interior and major urban population centers. This strategically positions Seward for
Pacific Rim maritime commerce. Seward enjoys a beautiful and scenic natural Alaskan environment with
numerous visitor attractions.
Seward is dynamic community with a year-round population of just under 3,000 and a seasonal population
exceeding 10,000 supplemented by the arrival of two to three cruise ships per week during the season. The
town offers day cruises, kayaking, fishing, abundant marine activities and wildlife, unparalleled recreation and
is the terminus for the Alaska Railroad. Seward was named All-American City in 1963, 1965 and 2005.
Seward experiences a maritime climate with average winter temperatures ranging from 17 to 38 degrees
Fahrenheit and average summer temperatures ranging from 49 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average rainfall is
66 inches. Average annual snowfall is 80 inches.
Seward's local economy is driven largely by the commercial fishing industry, marine trade, vessel servicing,
and seasonal tourism. Many of Seward's lodging facilities, restaurants and shops cater mainly to tourist, and
open for business during the summer tourist season, generally mid-May through mid-September. Other major
employers in Seward include the state-run Spring Creek Correctional Center, the Alaska Department of Labor
and Workforce Development's AVTEC vocational school and the Providence Seward Medical Center.
Seward is proud to be the home of the Alaska SeaLife Center. The Center is the only facility in Alaska that
combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. While primarily dedicated
to marine research and education, the Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation
facility in the state. The Alaska SeaLife center lies at"Mile 0"of the scenic Seward Highway on the shores of
Resurrection Bay. Visitors to its"windows to the sea" have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor
seals, sea lions, and other marine life while learning about the work conducted both in the field and in the
Center's laboratories.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Seward is a home-rule city located within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. A full-service City, Seward operates
under the council/manager form of government. The Mayor and six City Council members exercise all
legislative and policy-making powers of the City and perform all duties and obligations required by law. The
City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and City Council which also appoints the City Clerk and City Attorney.
Year-round staffing is approximately 104 FTE. Seasonal employment increases staffing to approximately 124
FTE with the bulk of the increase occurring in the Parks & Recreation and Harbor Departments.
The city operates under a biennial budget process, with a $16 million FY23 Operating Budget.
CITY MANAGER
The City Manager is responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the City of Seward. Working
with a professional staff, the City Manager ensures the provision of services and enforces the policies
established by the City Council. The City Manager's direct reports include the Assistant City Manager, HR,
Executive Assistant, Chief of the Police and Fire Departments, Directors of Community Development, Finance,
Parks & Recreation, Library & Museum, Electric, Public Works and Harbor Departments.
This is an outstanding and unique career opportunity for an experienced, well-rounded and professional
municipal manager. The City Council is seeking candidates with (input from council)
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COMPENSTATION AND BENEFITS
The starting salary for the City Manager is anticipated to be approximately $140,000 per year dependent upon
qualifications and experience. The City of Seward offers a competitive benefit package, including participation
in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
HOW TO APPLY
A complete job description and application are available on the City's website
Questions about this position should be addressed to Human Resources Manager, Tammy Nickell
(tn ickel I(&cityofseward.net or 907-224-4074). This position is open until filled.
The City of Seward is an EEO employer.
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